Cape Breton Physicians & Dentists Raise more than $517,000 through “Doctor’s Care” Campaign

A group of physicians and dentists got together for a special celebration this morning. They were celebrating more than half a million dollars raised for healthcare in Cape Breton. For the first time in more than twenty years, doctors and dentists in Cape Breton came together, through a fundraising campaign, to support local hospitals – working to strengthen healthcare for all Cape Bretoners. The ‘Doctor’s Care’ Campaign, led by veteran physician Dr. Bob Cohen, recently wrapped up, raising more than $517,000.00 and surpassing their target. In fact, 26% of the doctors

and dentists asked to support responded with a resounding yes. This surpassed industry standard for physician giving in a campaign.

The campaign, which included a committee of dedicated physicians and dentists, came together to not only speak to the importance of giving back locally, but reached out to their peers to take part in supporting our hospitals. "Physicians and dentists, care about their community," explains Dr. Bob Cohen, chair of the Doctor’s Care Campaign. "Not only do we live and work here, but we help build community. We strive for excellence and by giving back, we can strengthen healthcare for our family, friends and neighbours."

Physicians had the opportunity to support an area of care or hospital that they felt connected to. Physicians chose to direct funds to physician recruitment and retention efforts, priority equipment, mental health, the Cancer Patient Care Fund, palliative care, cancer care, labour & delivery, our nurse’s education fund, emergency room, the cardiac unit and other important areas of care.

"We are thrilled about the response from the campaign," says Brad Jacobs, CEO Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. "The physicians and dentists in Cape Breton are world class and truly care about our community’s health. We asked for their support and they wanted to give back. With the leadership of Dr. Cohen, we are able to strengthen healthcare for Cape Bretoners and these medical professionals truly demonstrated their commitment to their patients and our community as a whole."

Dr. Bob Cohen expresses his gratitude to committee members and to his colleagues, who have stepped up to support the campaign. "This was an incredibly successful campaign. These doctors are at the frontlines of our healthcare system and they know that as the needs in Cape Breton continue to grow, their support is needed now more than ever."

The Doctor’s Care Campaign Committee, headed by Dr. Bob Cohen, was made up of doctors from across the CBRM including, Dr. Dale Miller (Medical Site Lead), Dr. Rex Dunn (Honorary Chair), Dr. Gail Bisson (Sydney), Dr. Peter Littlejohn (New Waterford), Dr. Dorothy Dolhanty (Sydney), Dr. Michael Gallivan (Glace Bay), Dr. Jeff Power (Membertou), Dr. Paul Hickey (North Sydney), Dr. Siva Thanamayooran (Sydney), Dr. Katie Muise (Sydney) and Dr. Steve Saxon (Sydney).